New Graduate Assistants who are eligible have the opportunity to participate in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) through the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) which is one of the largest group health insurance programs in the United States. The Student Employee Health Plan provides valuable medical benefits for you and your eligible dependents. It provides medical and surgical care, hospital expense benefits, mental health and substance abuse benefits, prescription drug coverage, dental and vision care. There are no pre-existing condition exclusions.
Am I eligible?
Graduate Assistants eligible for an employer contribution under the NYSHIP SEHP are those who work at least one-half an assistantship and are employed at a stipend that would yield a total compensation of $4,422 or more for the contract year.
Graduate Assistants who work at least one-half an assistantship but are hired mid-year, will be eligible if they earn a stipend that would yield a total compensation equal to $4,422 or more when annualized.
Graduate Assistants (and his/her dependents) currently enrolled in NYSHIP’s Empire Plan or a NYSHIP HMO as an employee of New York State, a Participating Employer or a Participating Agency, are also eligible for coverage under the NYSHIP SEHP.
Are my dependents eligible for coverage?
You may enroll for either individual or family coverage. Eligible dependents include a spouse or domestic partner and children under the age of 26.
If you wish to carry family coverage, copies of the following documents are needed to support your dependent’s eligibility: marriage certificate for a spouse, proof of current financial interdependence if married for more than one year, and proof of residency and financial interdependence for a domestic partnership. Copies of birth certificate(s) and social security card(s) will also be required prior to enrolling all dependents.
When will my coverge be effective?
If you wish to enroll for health insurance/prescription coverage, you must select a plan within the first 45 days of appointment to avoid any extended waiting period. Coverage will be effective on the date of application.
What is the cost of coverage?
New York State pays a significant portion of the premium for yourself and your dependents. You pay the balance which is deducted from your paycheck on a bi-weekly basis. There are two types of coverage that you may purchase: individual or family.
2023 Health Insurance Bi-weekly Rates
Individual Coverage - $29.03
Family Coverage - $182.78
One of the decisions you will need to make when enrolling for health insurance is whether or not to participate in the Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP). Under PTCP, your health insurance premiums are deducted from your pay before taxes are taken out. This lowers your taxable income and gives you more spendable income. Under Internal Revenue Rules (IRS), if you participate in PTCP, you cannot change your health insurance deduction once the amount is set for the tax year unless you have a "qualifying event".
How do I find a participating provider?
Go to Empire Plan participating providers or call 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447)
How do I find a participating pharmacy?
To locate a participating pharmacy go to CVS/Caremark Prescription Drug Plan or call 1-877-769-7447
How do I enroll?
Please indicate your intention to participate or not to participate in the Student Employee Health Plan on the Benefits Election form. To enroll, please complete the Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS-404G) online or provided in your orientation packet and return it to the Employee Benefits Office, Cleveland Hall 410, within 45 days of your appointment date to avoid any extended waiting period.
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